How to hire a graphics editor

How to hire a graphics editor, step by step

Here's a step-by-step graphics editor hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a graphics editor job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new graphics editor
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the graphics editor you need to hire. Certain graphics editor roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A graphics editor's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, graphics editors from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of graphics editors and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Graphics Editor	Description	Hourly rate
   Graphics Editor	Editors plan, review, and revise content for publication.	$20-44
   Editorial Internship	An editorial intern is responsible for assisting the editorial team in publishing digital and media content, writing articles, and managing readers' reviews. Editorial interns must have excellent knowledge of the industry they work for, suggesting the latest trends and featured topics, taking notes of the tenured employees' advice and observations, and actively joining brainstorming sessions... Show more	$12-18
   Content Editor	A content editor is a professional who is responsible for proof-reading articles written by content writers and write blog posts to promote the products and services of an organization. Content editors are responsible for producing monthly newsletters and optimize written pieces to increase user engagement... Show more	$19-43

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Motion Graphics
   • CSS
   • HTML
   • Adobe Premiere
   • Animation
   • Graphic Design
   • Video Content
   • Adobe Photoshop
   • News Graphics
   • Corporate Videos
   • Adobe Illustrator
   • Video Production
   • Cinema
   • YouTube

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Develop SEO strategies to increase profitability and manage social media to spread brand awareness and bolster readership.
   • Conform and screen VFX dailies.
   • Maintain and update VFX lineups in editing software.
   • Edit website using HTML, upload photos and edit logos.
   • Assist online editor with HTML content revisions for additional websites when need.
   • Update the youtube channel with videos and excerpts from sermon, and church programs.

   More graphics editor duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your graphics editor job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A graphics editor salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, graphics editors' average salary in alaska is 57% less than in new york.
   • Seniority. Entry-level graphics editors earn 54% less than senior-level graphics editors.
   • Certifications. A graphics editor with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a graphics editor's salary.

   Average graphics editor salary

   $63,025yearly

   $30.30 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level graphics editor salary

   $42,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average graphics editor salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	New York	$87,532	$42
   2	California	$76,539	$37
   3	District of Columbia	$71,312	$34
   4	North Dakota	$65,603	$32
   5	Maryland	$65,399	$31
   6	Oklahoma	$58,236	$28
   7	Wisconsin	$52,775	$25

   Average graphics editor salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	The New York Times Company	$97,945	$47.09	17
   2	The Washington Post	$91,380	$43.93	1
   3	Oshkosh	$77,658	$37.34
   4	Mundo Hispanico	$76,133	$36.60
   5	AAAS	$73,644	$35.41
   6	Dow Jones	$69,236	$33.29	3
   7	Gray Television	$63,153	$30.36	9
   8	VIZ Plastic Products Ltd	$61,923	$29.77
   9	Newsmax Media, Inc.	$58,434	$28.09	3

4. Writing a graphics editor job description

   A graphics editor job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a graphics editor job description:

   Graphics editor job description example

   EMC Advertising is a full-service marketing/advertising agency in Rocklin, California (Sacramento Area) focused exclusively on Legal Marketing. Our advertising agency works with law firms throughout the United States developing campaigns nationally and in local markets.
   
   As part of our growth, our creative team is hiring an experienced Videographer/Editor/Motion Graphics person, responsible for shooting video, creating motion graphics animation, and editing for 15 and 30-second commercials. We shoot mostly green screen to be used in compositions with layers of animation, so knowledge of keying is a must. Some on-location shoots are expected, so experience with Sony cameras is a plus.
   
   We are looking for a vibrant, creative individual with extensive technical and creative expertise using various editing platforms. The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and experience:
   Requirements:
   * 4+ years' experience as a professional videographer/editor/motion graphics editor.
   * Advanced experience with Adobe Creative Cloud software package.
   * Knowledge of broadcast standards, audio levels and today's many different editing formats, including
   compression formats.
   * Ability to take on a high volume of work with proven ability to multi-task
   * Capable of producing high quality content under a tight timeline
   * Knowing the Do's and Don'ts of layout and design.
   * Ability to work both individually and with a team of editors
   * Proven ability to take creative direction from senior level design team and execute it into video content or
   motion graphics
   * Good work ethics, strong organizational skills and creative mind.
   * Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus!
   
   To be considered for the role, please apply with your resume and digital portfolio showcasing previous work (if examples are collaborations, please state your contribution in each case).
   
   Salary based on experience. Medical and dental benefits as well.
   This is full time position working Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Located in Rocklin, CA 95677. 100% paid Medical & Dental Insurance for employee (subject to 60 day waiting period), 2 weeks' vacation, 9 paid holidays per year, and 401k available.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right graphics editor for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your graphics editor job on Zippia to find and recruit graphics editor candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with graphics editor candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new graphics editor

   Once you've selected the best graphics editor candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new graphics editor. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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